Rosetown, Saskatchewan, September 14, 2007 - Canada's New Government is
providing up to $27.3 million to develop regional water supply systems in
several rural communities across Saskatchewan. The Regional Rural Water
Supply Systems (RRWS) project will result in both upgrades to water
treatment facilities and the development of new water treatment
facilities, as well as distribution pipelines to supply potable water to
several rural towns, villages and municipalities.
"Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital to the well-being of
all Canadians. This important investment in high quality water systems is
key to the health and economic growth of these rural communities," said
Minister Ritz. "Canada's New Government is investing in improved drinking
water systems that will support sustainable communities in Saskatchewan
for present and future generations."
"On behalf of the following communities and Rural Municipalities, I
would like to thank the Government of Canada for its commitment to our
water project: Ansgar Tynning - Mayor of Kyle; June Heintze - Mayor of
Elrose; Russ Gillanders - RM of Lacadena; George Myers - RM of Monet and
Ken Ogle, Reeve- RM of St. Andrews," said the Mayor of Rosetown, Brian
Gerow. "This regional initiative will ensure safe drinking water to
several communities and RM's and ensure our future viability. There is
lots of talk about sustainable communities and projects like this make
that a reality. It makes it possible for this region to expand economic
development and ensure a quality life style for our citizens."
The project has four components: Caronport, Water West, Saskatchewan
Landing, and La Ronge. Communities benefiting from each project component,
as listed in the attached backgrounder, will have increased access to a
reliable water supply that meets high water quality and safety levels
required by regulatory standards. Upgrades and improvements to the water
treatment facilities will help reduce health risks and improve economic
development opportunities.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring that residents
in all areas of our province have access to clean and safe drinking
water," said the Honourable David Forbes, Minister Responsible for
SaskWater. "By working with municipalities in this way, we are ensuring
that these modernized water systems will contribute to a better quality of
life for all Saskatchewan people and will allow these rural and northern
communities to grow and prosper."
Financial support is conditional on meeting applicable federal
requirements, including the successful completion of environmental
assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and
the successful negotiation of a contribution agreement that will detail
the project elements and federal funding parameters.
The federal contribution is provided through the existing Canada
Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which supports large-scale
infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic
growth and enhancing quality of life for Canadians.Funding for safe and
reliable water systems is one component of the partnership investments
Canada's New Government is making in infrastructure. Through its
unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the
Government will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help
meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a
stronger, safer and better country.
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Contacts:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure CanadaCommunications and
Promotion613-948-1148
BACKGROUNDER
The Regional Rural Water Supply Systems (RRWS) project consists of four
components that benefit several rural towns, villages and municipalities
in Saskatchewan:
Caronport Regional Water Supply Component: A regional
pipeline will be developed to deliver treated water from the Buffalo Pound
Water Treatment Plant to the communities of Caronport, Mortlach and Caron.
The Caronport component is expected to receive $2.7 million of the total
$27.3 million federal contribution.
Water West Regional Water Supply Component: Upgrades
and expansion of an existing regional system will result in potable water
supplied to the Regional Municipalities of Chesterfield, Kindersley and
Newcombe, and the Towns of Eston and Kindersley. The Water West component
is expected to receive $10,188,828.
Saskatchewan Landing Regional Water Supply Component:
A regional watermain pipeline system will be developed to supply the area
of Elrose and north to Rosetown, and an area around Kyle. Upgrades will
also be undertaken on the water treatment plant in Rosetown and a new
water treatment plant will be developed to serve the Kyle supply system.
The Saskatchewan Landing component is expected to receive $10,190,000.
La Ronge Regional Water Supply Component: The La Ronge
water treatment plant will be expanded to provide high quality treated
water to residents of La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band
Reserves 156 and 156B. The La Ronge component is expected to
receive$4.22 million.
